I have an overhanging branch about 4-5 feet long and 3-4 inches thick that I need to chop. I could probably cut the branch in two using my standard chainsaw + ladders (against the branch) + someone on site to call the ambulance. The thing at Screwfix would manage the smaller branches to reduce the bulk of what has to come down but it does not seem worth bothering for just pruning. Any ideas if it could manage a 3-4 inch branch taking plenty of time to cut it?

Dunno about that one. I'd have thought it would do it easily although I've only used a mains "ordinary" chainsaw a couple of times I was impressed.
What about one of these though?https://www.screwfix.com/p/telescopic-tree-pruner/2096f
I bought one similar from Lidl for the lopper, but I tried the saw last year on a couple of branches to save getting the petrol pole saw out. Saw works well on 3" sort of stuff. Someone there in the reviews says they were cutting 3-4" stuff as well.

Rorschach wrote:FWIW I have used jubilee clips to hold a hand pruning saw onto a long pole for this kind of work. Didn't cost me anything and got the job done, if a little slowly lol.

Reading through this thread that was in my mind as it's something I've done the same myself although I may have used tape. Done the same with a paint brush once too painting a really hard to get to downpipe.

Rorschach wrote:FWIW I have used jubilee clips to hold a hand pruning saw onto a long pole for this kind of work. Didn't cost me anything and got the job done, if a little slowly lol.

Reading through this thread that was in my mind as it's something I've done the same myself although I may have used tape. Done the same with a paint brush once too painting a really hard to get to downpipe.

You do what you gotta do to get the job done. I also have to paint an awkward spot once, I cut the paintbrush and glued and screwed it back onto the handle at 90deg, worked a charm but was a bugger to dip into the paint lol.

Howdy, follow on to the the scroofix handheld telescopic pruner has done the trick and I have removed all minor branches. It has a rather wobbly saw blade, I am surprised I have not broken it yet, the secateurs are better than I expected, and it untightens and folds at will. Worth the money.

Given I am too lazy to get the ladders out, I will try cutting the main 3" branch with it next.

I have used a similar one to trim our Chestnut tree, I managed to cut some fairly thick branches 100/160mm, however I forgot one very important thing and that was gravity so first time, lots of sawdust and a branch on the head lesson learnt. Nos